The Hickory Music Factory will host their 4th annual “Tribute Concert” featuring the Hickory Jazz Orchestra and guest bands the East Burke HS jazz band and the Hickory Music Factory youth big band on Jan 16 at 7:00 at the SALT block auditorium. HMF pays tribute to those people who have helped to promote and foster music within our community. This year HMF will pay tribute to Bob Taylor, Kent Duffield, and Bob Love. Bob Taylor was the former MS and HS band director for Hickory High, Alexander Central, East Burke, College Park, to name a few. In addition Bob has performed with his jazz groups throughout the area and North Carolina since the 1970's. Kent Duffield was a band director for several local High Schools as well as Rowan and Iredell Counties. He is a major supporter of local music. Bob Love passed away in 2012 leaving a legacy of providing musical instruments to all the surrounding county schools for 40 years. The Music Center, Inc. is now a chain of stores throughout the region and is the main source of musical equipment in the Piedmont. Mr. Love also taught band for 28 years at Hudson High School and later South Caldwell High School. The Hickory Music Factory will honor these 3 men by putting their names on the HMF Hall of Fame. Other such names include Loius Beam, Dr. Ralph Gabriel, Frank DiFabio, Gene Smithson, Jimmy Lackey, Jim Calabrese, Randy Ingold, and Charles Deal. The Hickory Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Rick Cline exists to keep the music of the big band era alive. The concert will feature classic big band arrangements. HIckory Music Factory is a thriving non profit music program and is directed by Liam Bailey and Rick Cline. Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for students and can be bought in advance by visiting www.hickorymusicfactory.com. For more information on the HMF or the concert call 828-308-5659 or email contact@hickorymusicfactory.com.

Purchase ticktes online, hickorymusicfactory.com or at Larry's Music (downtown Hickory)